I'm 21, living at home with my second baby on the way...?

Question

I know I don't have the money to move out ANY time soon. Is it wrong for me if I trade in my car that I have had for 6 months for a new car that is dependable? I don't just live off my mom. I pay rent and I pay her for babysitting... (300 rent, 300 babysitting, and 300 babysitting when the new baby gets here.)

oh and i owe her money for when i had to spend a couple of weeks outta work and they paid my car insurance and a car payment. about 800 bucks but i really need a reliable car

Answer 1

take it from me: i live on my own and really cant afford to. as long as your car gets you from point a to point b then i see no reason to trade it in especially if you are already shelling out so much money now.
wheres the daady of your kids and why is he not helping?

Answer 2

You can get a reliable OLDER car. My husband has a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 that has only broken down once in the 6 years he's had it. Going to a new car just isn't right. I'm not trying to be judgmental here but you do know you are being unfair to your parents (even if you pay them). At eighteen you're supposed to move out and start your life, and give your parents back alot of their freedom. Instead they're helping you raise your children. Where are their fathers? They should be helping you out. I ask this as a mother my self, for the sake of your children (because I know like any good parent you want the to have the world), no more sex until you get married. That way there is no "oops! I'm pregnant". Your kids will have a better chance in life and I know that you want that for them. You aren't too young to be a mother, I had my son at 20. The difference is, I was married, I had a good job (I was in the Navy), my husband and I were financially stable, and we had a home of our own. Please use that as a checklist before getting pregnant again, not for your sake but your babies. Good luck!

Answer 3

Goodness, some people who answer these questions are just ridiculous! You are doing just fine. It is great that you and your mom have worked some kind of agreeement out to where you both can be happy. It doesn't sound like you are a moocher at all! A dependable car is a crucial thing that you are going to need to get back and forth to work and to take care of other needs. Look around and find something that is great for you....don't settle for anything less. I was suprised at how much you pay her for babysitting. Does she have some kind of license to where she is charging you THAT much? Maybe you should talk to your mom about lowering the babysitting to like 300 for both of them together and you can use that extra money to save. Tell your mom that the $ will go to paying her off faster and then saving up so you can get out on you own. Hang int here! Well, like I said earlier, as long as you all have found a happy medium.

Answer 4

A car is a horrible investment. When you buy one, you lose money automatically, and most people (whether they buy new or used) never make a profit off of it when they sell it. Is your car that you're driving now a complete beater? I mean, is it actually unsafe to carry children around in? If so, you probably should look about getting something a little more reliable. If you're wanting to trade simply for aesthetic reasons, no...I'd pass on getting a new car.

My suggestion to you would be to stop having babies if you can't afford all the necessities that come along with them (your OWN house/apartment, daycare, etc.) This might sound harsh, but it's how I feel. Where are your childrens' father(s)? Why aren't you living with him and why isn't he helping out?

Answer 5

At 21, you've made some decisions that have had pretty tough consequences. Two babies (you didn't mention a husband) and an undependable car that you've only had for 6 months. I agree you need a dependable car with two small children. This time, take a mechanic with you to make sure the car is sound. Use birth control so that there will be no more babies until you can get yourself together financially to live on your own. No offense to your mom, but 900 a month sounds a little steep for a mom to be charging her daughter who is trying to get on her feet. Maybe she is trying to teach you a lesson or maybe she is trying to keep you there with her. It's time to grow up and be a good role model for these innocent children you've brought into the world. Good luck.

Answer 6

No way, you need a reliable car. If you can get one and you can afford the payments get it. R U paying your mom 300 a month for babysitting? That is crazy, your mom should want to help. I understand paying her something but that is more than daycare for one child...I would look into it. My mom watches my 4 month old and has since she was 5 weeks and I went back to work, she charges me nothing!

Answer 7

Im assuming the car you bought 6 months ago is "not in good shape" For the security of your children it is best if you have a reliable car. Imagine driving in the middle of winter with your children in your car and your car stauls on an autoroutre...
As for that 800$ debt, you will eventually pay it off...we all have some sort of debt we have to pay off..Money is made to be spent but you must still be cautious on how you spend it..A reliable car is a necessity when you have young children. I am not one to judge but you are still so young, why would you want to have children at such a young age?..You're still so young yourself...You have a lot to learn.

Answer 8

Honestly...NO. You should worry more about the child that is living right now, and the child that you are about to bring into the world? What is wrong with the car that you have only had for 6 months that is not dependable? Where is father to these children? He needs to be paying child support, and helping you with paying for Daycare. And you really do need to get out on your own. There are TONS of programs out there to help single mothers. If you are not working then you need to go back to school, and get some kind of degree. If you are working full-time then I wouldn't really worry about it. But school is VERY important. I have a 17month old daughter and trying for my second. I currently work full-time, and I attend school full-time. So it can be done. But I do really think that you need to get out of your parents house. You are an adult and have children. You need to take responsible for you actions. Its time to grow up hunny! You can't just think about you anymore. You have two children that come FIRST for another 18 years. So quit thinking about yourself and worry about those children.

Good luck. I wish the best luck to you and those children.

Answer 9

Sounds like you will never get ahead. Skip the car and take the bus or find a carpool. You can't afford a car. Your mom is being generous with you actually. $300 a month for childcare is cheap. At least she is trying to teach you some responsibility and not let you take the easy road.

Honestly, if you are old enough to have sex and make babies, you need to take responsibilty for yourself. You made the choice so now you have to live with it.

Answer 10

I don't really know what you are asking, but I think you should think a little more when having sex. 21 with 2 kids and no money to live off is not the best situation. I think that you are very lucky to have a mother that is so generous to help you. I think that you should take as short of mat leave as possible and go back to work and maybe even look for a better paying job or get a 2nd job to help support your kids.

Answer 11

you should talk this over with your parents. After all, if you owe them money, they might not be too keen on you trading your car for one with a payment. Maybe they could help you find one that is a bit more reliable but not as much money as a new one?

Is the babies father around?